Salmon Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

  Edible THC products like gummies can look just like regular candy, making them attractive to children. As cannabis (marijuana) products become more common in households due to legalization, accidental THC poisonings in children are on the rise in the U.S. National data show an alarming increase in young kids getting into THC edibles. In fact, poison control centers saw a 1,375% spike in reports of children under 6 ingesting cannabis edibles between 2017 and 2021​  healthychildren.org . Over 7,000 pediatric cases were reported in that five-year span​  web.musc.edu . Toddlers are the most commonly affected (with two-year-olds accounting for the largest share)​  healthychildren.org . This trend is a serious concern for parents and caregivers. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, and a small amount can cause major effects in a little body. It’s important to know how to recognize the symptoms of a THC overdose in a child and wha...

Over the last five years, the United States has seen an alarming rise in children accidentally ingesting THC , the psychoactive chemical in marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what produces the marijuana “high,” and when kids get into THC-infused products, the results can be dangerous. Recent data show that pediatric THC poisonings have skyrocketed. New research recorded a 1,375% increase in the number of young children (mostly toddlers) accidentally poisoned by cannabis edibles since 2017 ​  web.musc.edu   In raw numbers, cases rose from roughly 200 per year in 2017 to over 3,000 per year in 2021 ​  pbs.org  – more than 7,000 cases in total during that period. Health experts are sounding the alarm about this trend and urging stronger prevention measures. A Five Year Spike in Accidental Exposures Several factors contribute to the surge in pediatric THC exposures . The period of 2017–2021 coincides with many states legalizing medical or recreational cannabis, me...

Parents and community members are sounding the alarm about cannabis edibles being sold in deceptive packaging that looks nearly identical to popular children’s snacks. From bags of “medicated” gummies mimicking Sour Patch Kids to cookies labeled “Trips Ahoy” that copy Chips Ahoy, these THC-laced products are intentionally made to fool consumers – with children as the unwitting victims. The result has been a surge in kids accidentally ingesting high-potency THC, leading to serious illnesses and hospitalizations. This issue demands urgent attention to protect our youth. Deceptive Packaging That Targets Kids One such product called “Stoner Patch Dummies” uses packaging nearly identical to Sour Patch Kids candy, making it almost impossible for a child to tell it apart from a real treat. Manufacturers of these edibles often steal the branding of famous snacks – using similar names, logos, and even mascots – to give their drug-laced products a familiar look. The FDA reports copycat THC edibl...

A quiet but growing threat is taking root in American society. It is finding its way into the lives of many young people, especially young men. Marijuana has become so accepted, so common, that it is often viewed as no more dangerous than smoking a cigarette or having a drink with friends. It is treated as harmless. But for the minds of our youth, minds still developing and vulnerable, it is anything but harmless. It is stealing their focus, their potential, and in far too many cases, their futures. Today’s marijuana is not the same as what previous generations knew. It is stronger, more concentrated, and more accessible than ever. New research confirms what many families have feared. According to studies published in JAMA Network Open and reported by The New York Times in February 2025, the number of schizophrenia cases has tripled in recent decades. This sharp increase lines up with the rise of marijuana use and the availability of extremely high THC products. These are not just dr...

 In a decisive move to combat the escalating fentanyl crisis, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 406 into law on February 27, 2024. This legislation enforces mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of fentanyl trafficking, reflecting Idaho's commitment to addressing this pressing public health and safety issue.  Under the new law, those found guilty of trafficking fentanyl face stringent penalties: Possession of 4 to 13 grams, or 100 to 249 pills : Minimum of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Possession of 14 to 27 grams, or 250 to 499 pills : Minimum of five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Possession of 28 grams or more, or 500 or more pills : Minimum of ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Additionally, the law introduces a "drug-induced homicide" provision, allowing for felony charges if an individual supplies drugs that result in another person's death.  Fentanyl's potency and the rise of counterfeit drugs ...

Think your teen is safe online? Think again. It’s no secret that social media is where teens spend a huge chunk of their time. Platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram are how they connect with friends, share moments, and stay entertained. But what most parents don’t realize is that these same platforms have become a hotspot for illegal drug sales , with dealers using secret codes, emojis, and disappearing messages to target young buyers. And it’s happening more often than we think. Drug dealers no longer need a street corner to operate and they have everything they need right at their fingertips. They post seemingly innocent photos or videos , use private messages to arrange transactions, and even set up delivery methods that make it nearly impossible for parents to detect. A teen can send a direct message, pay through a digital app, and have the drugs delivered by mail, rideshare, or a local drop-off in a matter of hours. The biggest concern? Many of these drugs are fake an...

  n today's digital age, social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram have become avenues for illegal drug sales, including counterfeit prescription medications laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl. These counterfeit drugs pose significant health risks, leading to tragic outcomes, especially among teenagers. ​ Recognizing the gravity of this issue, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act . This legislation aims to empower the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address false and misleading prescription drug promotions by social media influencers and telehealth companies. Under the proposed act, the FDA would have the authority to issue warning letters and impose fines on those disseminating deceptive drug advertisements online. ​ By enforcing stricter advertising regulations, this legislation seeks to mitigate the spread of counterfeit drugs. False promot...